The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-06-18

create truth. We discover it. We do
not make the forces that quicken our
life; we recognize them. We become
awake to their presence within us and
above us. The address continued
In this fine and unspeakable result all
life, all experience becomes useful. The
universe is to be accepted as soul de-
veloping device. 1t is Gods workshop
for awakening his children's life, and all
its duties and experiences are part OF
the Fathers method of spiritual awaken.
ing. Our sormal methods in church and
Sunday school are not the only methods.
But in our organized efforts the aim is to
reach the best result by the shortest and
surest methed. To this end, first and al
ways, the force to be employed is truth
and the means to its presentation is
preaching. Preaching is the effective
presentation of religious truth to human
minds for the awakening of interest for
the guidance of life, for personal devel-
opmeDt and for lasting individual COM
fort. For unceasing reiteration of the
truth and for skillful presentation there
OF, preaching must continue to be the
special instrument Of the church. Let
each pastor or preacher draw from the
vast resources at his command such top
les as wisdom approves for the accomp-
lishment OF his holy purpose.
Tho navf eooo.oI ~ooIl,oI "a
awakening must be judicious system of
gospel meetings with reference to church
membership. In due season we shall
have this factor of our religious prosper
ity, for Strengthening every working
church, and for building up our waste
places. Let some men with zeal and wis
dom take up this great work and go forth
in the spirit and power of our faith,
preaching and exhorting. AS their work
becomes known, our churches will dis
cover the value of special services and
there will be forward movement all
along the line. 1t is hopeful hour for
our church when we are seeking for
methods Of spiritual awakening. Seek
ing, we shall find. and finding shall be
greatly blessed in spiritual power and
usefulness and prosperity.
Last Afternoon.
AT in the afternoon, a sermon was
preached by Rev. Amos Crum, from
the words: II have sworn by myself in
righteousness, etc. Isaiah XIV. 23).
The sermon discussed hope and faith,
and traced the connection between
them in an instructive, and at times elo-
quent manner. We regret that our
space will nor permit even brief out
line.
Resolutions.
AT the business meeting which fol-
lowed, the appended resolutions were
adopted:
Resolved: That as heretofore we stand
firmly on the temperance platform and
we pledge ourselves to work for the tenn
perance cause in every way possible, by
precept and example, at home, in our
churches, and in the world at large.
Resolved: That the Committee on fell
lowship be requested 20 correspond with
those members in the State who are Civ
ing all their time to secular work, and
ascertain their purpose as regards min
isterial labors and report in the next
Convention such recommendations as
may be deemed advisable.
RESOLVED: That the ministers be re-
quested to take into consideration the
propriety of dividing the State into three
or more associations the coming year, and
if they deem advisable, to fix the boun-
daries of districts and call meetings to
organize.
Resolved: That the Trustees seek to
devise some plan by which the Perma-
nent Fund be increased from year to year.
ResolUed: That it shall be the special
duty of pastors, or some Universalist be-
coming acquainted with the fact, in case Of
the removal Of families of our faith from
their charge or vicinity, to another point,
to acquaint the pastor, or friends of the
parish where they settle, of the fact, that
such persons may be looked after.
Thanks were rendered the retiring
President for his able services for the
past eight years; to Rev. Mr.. Dins-
more for his occasional sermon; and to
the people of La Crosse for entertain
ment; and for the help of the visiting
brethren, Rev. M. d. Shutter, Rev.
Amos Crum, and Drs. Crane, Demarest,
and Cantwell.
Financial Exhibit.
The Secretary presented the follow
ing financial exhibit of the standing of
the Convention
STATEMENT.
The Convention owes Edgar Leavitt S137l4
oshkosh Parlsn. OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES. $500
Il. j. Dinsmore OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES. $50
II, Slade. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 800
Spicer. -. Observation-Disclosures. 400
$Is5.54
Convention hopes to receive:
From General Convention ION 's7 ...... $4,000
Rev. B. F. Rogers. ........ 1854
Mobiles Note. .................... 3O.67
Rev. NJ. w. Tabor ............ 500
Oash on hand'''' ...................... 345l